- Must visit
Museum Ludwig
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, especially strong in Pop Art, Picasso, and postwar European art.
Cheapest price
$109
Average price
$186
Fastest journey
7 h 4 m
Average duration
8 h
Trains per day
2
Distance
475 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Plzeň to Cologne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Plzeň to Cologne will cost around $186 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $109.
Of the 2 trains that leave Plzeň for Cologne on Mon, Jul 13, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 13 the direct trains cover the 475 km distance in an average of 8 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 4 m .
On Mon, Jul 13 the slowest trains will take 8 h 56 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Plzeň to Cologne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a flight costs an average of $80.
Distance: 295 miles (475 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$141 Average price | $52 Average price Cheapest | $375 Average price | $128 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 33m Average total duration 8h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 53m Average total duration 8h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 43m Average total duration Fastest 3h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 31m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 1.4 - 2.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Plzeň to Cologne:
A bus is $90 (€74) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Plzeň to Cologne costing on average $141 (€116).
A bus is $323 (€266) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Plzeň to Cologne costing on average $375 (€308).
Other travel options to Cologne take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 3m.
Bus takes on average 8h 23m.
Tickets start at around $141 (€116) compared to roughly $128 (€106) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-13.02 (€-10.70). The journey takes 8h 3m versus 5h 31m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Plzeň to Cologne trains for tomorrow, Monday, July 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:10 AM Plzeň | 8h56 | 4:06 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:10 AM Plzeň | 7h04 | 3:14 PM Cologne | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Plzeň to Cologne run on average 10 times per day, taking around 8h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 (€41) but you can travel from only $37 (€31) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:38, the last at 22:46. The fastest train covers the 295 miles (475 km) distance in 7h 4m.
Distance 295 miles (475 km) |
Average train duration 8h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€41) |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 7h 4m |
First train 1:38 AM |
Last train 10:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Cologne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cologne trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum beside the cathedral, especially strong in Pop Art, Picasso, and postwar European art.
One of Germany’s key fine art museums, known for medieval painting, Gothic works, and major Impressionist holdings.
Cologne’s documentation center on National Socialism, housed in the former Gestapo headquarters with preserved prison cells.
Historic Old Town square surrounded by traditional facades and lively pedestrian streets, ideal as a base for central sightseeing.
Large central square in the Altstadt known for events, open space, and easy access to the Rhine promenade.
Trendy inner-city neighborhood popular for independent shops, street life, and photogenic urban corners beyond the main tourist core.
Cologne’s signature top-fermented pale beer, traditionally served in small Stangen glasses and central to the city’s brewing culture.
A classic Cologne rye roll with aged Gouda, mustard, and onion. Despite the name, it contains no chicken and is a beloved beer-hall snack.
A traditional Rhineland dish of mashed potatoes with apple sauce, often served with black pudding and fried onions. The name means ‘Heaven and Earth.’
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant offering modern tasting menus and polished service for a high-end culinary experience in Cologne.
Historic brewery and restaurant loved for house-brewed Kölsch and authentic local specialties in a rustic traditional atmosphere.
Well-known casual restaurant famous for oversized schnitzels and hearty German comfort food with a friendly, classic atmosphere.
Moderate by German standards. Public transport is fair, while central hotels and dining cost more.
Service is usually included. Round up in cafes and taxis. In restaurants, 5-10% is common for good service; hand the tip directly when paying.
Official public transport app
Cologne Hbf, Cologne -> Cologne Cathedral, Cologne
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Plzeň to Cologne by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cologne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Plzeň to Cologne trains use the Plzen hl.n. to Köln Hbf station pair, with some services arriving at Köln Messe/Deutz. Use this guide to compare Plzeň and Cologne train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Plzen hl.n. has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Na Spilce, U Salzmannů
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Plzen hl.n.. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Plzen hl.n.. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Plzen hl.n.: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Plzen hl.n.: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plzen hl.n.: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Central, Courtyard by Marriott Pilsen, Hotel Victoria.
Plzen zast. is 1 km from Plzeň city centre. Public transport options include:
Plzen zast. has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Plzen zast..
ATMs are available at Plzen zast..
Available at Plzen zast.: WC.
Available at Plzen zast.: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plzen zast..
Plzeň-Jižní předměstí is 1 km from Plzeň city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Plzeň-Jižní předměstí has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, WC, Hotel, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Plzeň-Jižní předměstí.
ATMs are available at Plzeň-Jižní předměstí.
Available at Plzeň-Jižní předměstí: WC.
Available at Plzeň-Jižní předměstí: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Köln Hbf is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Hbf has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: asiagourmet, Coffee Fellows, dean&david, Dunkin' Donuts, KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Nordsee, Starbucks, Schweinske, & more
Free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes only. ATMs are available at Köln Hbf.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Hbf. Information desks are one near the departure/arrival board and another near the escalators close to Platforms 4 and 5.
Luggage storage is there are luggage lockers in the station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Hbf: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Hbf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Hbf: Wheelchair accessible & mobility assistance staff. Contact the Mobility Service Centre at +49 3065212888 or [email protected].
Nearby hotels include Wyndham Koeln, Hilton Cologne, Excelsior Hotel Ernst.
Köln Messe/Deutz is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Messe/Deutz has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Imbiss Athena, Arena Grill, Cafe Especial, Joe Champs
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. ATMs are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Information desks are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Messe/Deutz. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Messe/Deutz: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Messe/Deutz.
Nearby hotels include Pension Helenenwall, Zur guten Quelle, Zum Goldenen Hut, Merlin.
Köln Süd is 1 km from Cologne city centre. Public transport options include:
Köln Süd has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Subway, Ganesha, Magnus, Borsalino
Wi-Fi is available at Köln Süd. ATMs are available at Köln Süd.
Ticket office support is available at Köln Süd. Information desks are available at Köln Süd.
Luggage storage is available at Köln Süd. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Köln Süd: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Köln Süd: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Köln Süd.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Chelsea, Hotel Mado, Elite Hotel, Blacksheep Hostel.
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